Which place is cheaper, Cordoba or Cuenca?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cuenca or Cordoba?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Cuenca and Cordoba. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Cuenca or Cordoba?
Cuenca
Cuenca is a vibrant colonial city in southern Ecuador, the third largest in the country, and the capital of Azuay Province. Cuenca is considered as Ecuador's most important and beautiful colonial city after Quito. Dating from the 16th century, Cuenca's historic center, a Unesco World Heritage Site with its trademark skyline of massive rotundas and soaring steeples, is a magical sight in which you will feel like you are moving back in time. Cuenca is the center of many craft traditions, including ceramics, metalwork and the internationally famous panama hat. The nearby villages also offer many other handicrafts. Tourists enjoy wandering the ancient streets discovering picturesque alleys and hidden corners, where nuns march along cobblestone streets and kids in Catholic-school uniforms skip past historic churches. Fascinating historic monuments and fabulous views are found at every turn. Cuenca also has outstanding art museums and festivals. For a rewarding cultural experience, visit during Easter to attend the Festival of Religious Music.
Cordoba
Cordoba is the capital of the Cordoba province and the second largest city in all of Argentina. The city is in a beautiful setting surrounded by valleys and hills. Within the city you will find many colonial buildings and beautiful architecture. Cordoba also has many universities and scientific institutes, giving it the nickname "La Docta." Because of the large number of students, Cordoba's population is young and active, which keeps the atmosphere light and fun.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador, The Best Adventure Tours to Argentina, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Argentina.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCuenca $42Cordoba $8.40
The average daily cost (per person) in Cuenca is $42, while the average daily cost in Cordoba is $8.40. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cuenca and Cordoba in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCuenca $13Cordoba $3.05
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCuenca $26Cordoba $6.10
Compare Hotels in Cuenca and Cordoba
Looking for a hotel in Cuenca or Cordoba? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Cuenca Hotel Prices and Cordoba Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cuenca $11Cordoba $2.08
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cuenca
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cuenca:
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Taxi Ride$2.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cuenca
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cuenca:
- Private Transfer from Cuenca to Guayaquil.: $104
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cordoba
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cordoba are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$0.01
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cordoba
Also for Cordoba, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer in private minivan from Cordoba to Ingeniero Ambrosio Taravella Airport: $61
Is it cheaper to fly into Cuenca or Cordoba?
Prices for flights to both Cordoba and Cuenca change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayCuenca $15Cordoba $3.83
Typical Food Prices in Cuenca
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cuenca:
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Lunch$10
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Snacks$5.00
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Empanada$1.50
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Hot Dog$1.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cuenca
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cuenca.
- Street food Tour in Cuenca,Ecuador: $33
- Cooking Class & Market Tour in Cuenca: $55
- Private Cooking Class: $125
Typical Food Prices in Cordoba
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Cordoba:
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Empanadas$0.01
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Sandwich$0.00
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Ice Cream$0.00
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cuenca $16Cordoba $1.88
Tours and Activities in Cuenca
Here are a few actual costs in Cuenca for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cuenca-Ec- City Tour with Panama Hat factory Half Day: $30
- Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca: $48
- Azuay: San Bartolomé, Gualaceo, and Chordeleg Artisanal Tour: $63
- Biking Cuenca City Tour: $50
- Birdwatching Tour in Cajas National Park from Cuenca: $100
- Birdwatching Tour in Giron and Yunguilla Jocotoco Reserve from Cuenca: $150
- Birdwatching Tour, Via Gualaceo to the Eastern slope from Cuenca: $130
- Cañari Bike Tour: $96
- Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca: $40
- Cajas National Park Small-Group tour from Cuenca: $49
- Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca: $49
- Cajas National Park and Cuenca City private Tour: $115
Tours and Activities in Cordoba
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cordoba.
- Traditional Córdoba CityTour x 2 Pax: $45
- Exploring Villa Carlos Paz: Guided Sightseeing Tour: $50
- Alta Gracia: Unveiling Cordoba's Cultural Heritage Tour: $50
- Cordoba City Tour: $50
- Private Cordoba City Tour: $53
- Córdoba: Villa Carlos Paz Tour: $59
- Córdoba CityTour FULLDAY x 2 pax: $60
- Caroya WineTour x 2 Pax: $60
- Cordoba City Tour with Optional Jesuitic Square: $62
- Full Day Tour to Punilla Valley from Cordoba: $75
- La Cumbrecita and Villa General Belgrano Full Day Tour: $75
- Full Day Jesuit Legacy Tour from Cordoba: $80
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCuenca $14Cordoba $1.48
Sample the Local Flavors in Cordoba
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cordoba:
- Full-Day Private Colonia Caroya Wine Tour from Córdoba: $119
- Wine Tour Privado - Colonia Caroya: $130
- Wine Tour Privado - Calamuchita: $150
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cuenca and Cordoba, we can see that Cuenca is more expensive. And not only is Cordoba much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cordoba would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cordoba and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Cuenca would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cuenca than you might in Cordoba.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cuenca Expensive? and Is Cordoba Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cuenca or Cordoba?
Cordoba has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Cuenca. When comparing the sizes of Cuenca and Cordoba, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Cuenca or Cordoba?
Cordoba has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Cuenca experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Cuenca or Cordoba in the Summer?
Both Cordoba and Cuenca during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Cuenca is generally much warmer than Cordobain January. Daily temperatures in Cuenca average around 22°C (72°F), and Cordoba fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
Cuenca usually gets less rain in July than Cordobain January. Cuenca gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryCuenca 22°C (72°F)Cordoba 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Cuenca or Cordoba in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cuenca and Cordoba. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
Cuenca is cooler than Cordoba in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cuenca averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Cordoba fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in April.
In October, Cuenca usually receives less rain than Cordobain April. Cuenca gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilCuenca 12°C (54°F)Cordoba 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Cuenca or Cordoba in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Cuenca as well as Cordoba. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
The weather in Cuenca can be very cold. In the winter, Cuenca is much colder than Cordoba. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cuenca in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Cordoba averages at about 27°C (81°F)in July.
Cuenca usually gets more rain in January than Cordobain July. Cuenca gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyCuenca 4°C (39°F)Cordoba 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Cuenca or Cordoba in the Spring?
Both Cordoba and Cuenca are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
In April, Cuenca is generally much colder than Cordobain October. Daily temperatures in Cuenca average around 10°C (50°F), and Cordoba fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In April, Cuenca usually receives less rain than Cordobain October. Cuenca gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberCuenca 10°C (50°F)Cordoba 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Cordoba and Cuenca
| Cuenca | Cordoba | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.